The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid coach is being hailed as a major blow for Manchester City and others who covet the silky skills of playmaking Isco.

Only two days ago it was claimed the Spaniard wanted Real to sanction a move to City after he fell out of favour with Rafa Benitez.

The boning of Benitez could change the landscape dramatically for Isco and other stars including Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez, who also been linked to a move away from Los Blancos.

The Mirror says Zidane was the man who convinced Isco to snub City in 2013 and rates him highly.

Isco has attracted plenty of attention with reports in Spain saying Juventus want to rival City for his signature, and suggestions Chelsea are also in the frame.

It seems Manchester United — who have been making flirtatious eyes at Real’s biggest stars for the past few months — see this as the perfect moment to strike. The Mirror reports United are “ready to re-launch a £75 million-plus bid to sign” the Welsh wizard.

Bale was a central player in the Benitez Real, and scored his ninth goal of the season in Rafa’s last game in charge.

While talking up the idea of a Bale move, The Mirror did accept it would take plenty of work with Zidane publicly insisting he’s not for sale.

Liverpool in for Dortmund star?

Liverpool have the worst goals tally in their Premier League history — with a miserable 22 from 20 compared to the 101 they scored in the 38 games of 2013-14 — and striking options need to be bolstered.

With that in mind, Jurgen Klopp is said to be entering the race to sign Europe’s hottest striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, if indeed there is a race.

Dortmund's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Source: AFP

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has responded defiantly to rumours suggesting Aubameyang is a target of Arsenal, and now his former manager Klopp.

The 26-year-old Gabonese international has had a figure of £42m being touted by some

But Watzke insists Dortmund do not need to sell their prized assets, and pointed to previous transfer window rumours.

“[The goal is that] our team stays together. We do not have as much money as the top stars in the Premier League, but we have a lot of other things to offer — for example our players were able to celebrate Christmas,” said Watzke.

“Last year around this time, many journalists wrote that our top players would be gone.

“Hummels was at Manchester United. Gundogan was with [Real] Madrid, Manchester or Barcelona. And where are they now? Still with us.”

Good news Giroud

Olivier Giroud has dropped the biggest hint yet that Arsenal have done a deal for FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

The Gunners need midfield reinforcements, Arsene Wenger has promised a transfer inside 10 days, and the Egyptian star has been firmly linked.

However, Giroud has revealed he’s expecting Elneny to join soon.

Meanwhile there is more movement at the Emirates with Serge Gnabry arriving back after a failed loan stint at West Brom.

Paris St-Germain have meanwhile joined Roma in the chase for defender Mathieu Debuchy, while West Brom on loan have also been floated as an idea.

The French international needs a move to push his Euros ambitions.

Hiddink on the move

Guus Hiddink has restored some belief to the Chelsea ranks, and even the slumbering giant Diego Costa woke in a 3-0 hammering of Crystal Palace.

Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks for Alex Teixeira.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has been convinced of the move by two Willian, who Teixeira knows from their time shared in Ukraine, and fellow Brazilian Oscar.

Barca ban lifted, they sign 76 players

The transfer ban imposed by FIFA on Barcelona ended this week allowing them to register likely first team regulars Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan. They were signed last window but have been waiting for their chance.

But also with those two high profile men, Barca were also able to move forward with registrations for many youth team and junior players as well. They officially signed up

76 players this week — ranging from the Under10s right the way through to the senior side.